Welcome to Tuesday Tales, a weekly blog featuring diverse authors posting excerpts from their works in progress based on word and picture prompts. I’m so pleased you can join me today. This week’s picture prompt is moon in tree. My snippet is from a medieval historical romance I am working on for NaNoWriMo. Enjoy the other authors at Tuesday Tales.
The goat headed man raised the knife toward the heavens as if in triumph. The pitiless moon glinted off the dripping blade. A chill wracked her body that seemed to flow up from the earth itself. Her hand clamped over her mouth to keep from crying out. Violent trembles overtook her, and she leaned heavily against the tree. Breath came short, and she fought to suck in needed air. She longed to turn and run toward home. How far would she get before they caught her? She longed to unsee the horror of the last few moments.
The unfortunate participant sprawled on the ground at an odd angle. Why had he offered himself in such a fashion, or was he taken unawares? The others made no sound or gesture of protest. They stood motionless while the leader swirled the knife, cutting intricate designs into the air.
Alis traced a finger over her own dagger to make certain it was still secured on her person. Right now it seemed her only friend. Not that she could fend off—how many was it? She counted nine. The dead man made ten. What were they about? Sacrilege. Murder. Something unimaginably evil and unholy.
The murderous blade disappeared into the cloak of the goat headed master. With fingers resembling talons, he pointed to one person, and then another. The two came forward and dragged the limp body into the midst of the participants. The circle closed, with the leader joining. Only he carried no candle, and the flickers of those hoisted by the rest projected garish shapes over his countenance and clothing. Was he human or some hellish otherworldly demon? Around and around the body they moved, chanting low words she could not make out. 
I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on the picture prompt moon in tree. Thanks for stopping by. Return to Tuesday Tales.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic in Romance
This is scary! Great description!
I’m pleased you found it scary. Thank you, Cathy!
You’ve given me goosebumps. I can’t unread this! Well done.
Susanne, I’m so glad you got some goosebumps from it. Thank you!
Scary! Glad I read it during the day. Geez. Something evil is afoot. Very atmospheric and chilling. Well done.
I’m pleased you found it chilling. Thank you, Jean!
Flossie, you are a master storyteller! Excellent scene.
Trisha, your kind words mean a lot to me. Thank you!
That was creep and terrifying. Great description!! Great job!!
I’m glad you found it creepy and terrifying. Thank you, Tricia!
Wonderful snippet!
Thanks, Vicki!